Earth/Environmental Science

The three “R's” of conservation

The conservation of our resources is in the hands of every individual. Students need to learn the effect of recycling, reusing, and reducing has on our environment and what they can do.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Mark Clinkscales and Carrie Palmer.

Technology and stress on the environment

Students will build a bubble-powered rocket and “blast it off.” Students will examine the stress to their immediate environment, alternative choices, and the cost of repairing the damage. They will list other types of technology and possible environmental stress.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Mark Clinkscales and Carrie Palmer.

Soil and erosion unit: Section 2

This unit will involve descriptive information on North Carolina soil types and how the presence of plants affects soil erosion. This section should be begun only after completion of Soil and erosion unit: Section 1.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Amy Robertson.

Soil and erosion unit: Section 1

This two week unit will involve descriptive information on North Carolina soil types and how the presence of plants affects soil erosion. Upon completion of Section 1, you may continue to Section 2.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

By Amy Robertson.

Resources on the web

You've got oil ... or maybe you don't

In this Xpeditions lesson, students are called upon to role-play in an international oil summit. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Wildlife conflicts

In this lesson, students learn about the conflicts relating to humans and wildlife in prairie habitats. Students perform some of the research, evaluation, and decision-making functions necessary to understand and resolve such conflicts. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

A web of resources

This Xpeditions lesson focuses on the complex nature of resources and how geography is part of the nature of resources. Students are asked to conduct research on selected resources and explore the geographic nature of resources in general. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Sound the alarm: Can frogs really tell us what's wrong?

In this Xpeditions lesson, students learn about the ways National Geographic Emerging Explorer Tyrone Hayes uses a combination of laboratory and field study to learn about frogs' developmental changes as they relate to chemical contamination of water. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Save the moonflowers

Students learn about botanical artist Margaret Mee and her impact on the preservation of rare flowers in the rainforests, including the moonflower. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Council on Economic Education

Planning for a city's future

Students work in groups to pretend they are consultants who have been hired by the city government. As consultants they will investigate the city's history and geography and report on what significant historical and geographical information the present city... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Natural resources extraction

This Xpeditions lesson encourages students to think about where the natural resources we use come from and the processes by which these resources are extracted. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

If you hear a hoot, then this site is kaput

In this EconomicsMinute, students will learn about which species are covered under the 1973 Endangered Species Act, the different organizations and their philosophies on how to protect these species, and how each group's policies are driven by self interest... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Council on Economic Education

Human impacts in the African rainforest: What we can do

This lesson asks students to examine the human impacts that conservationist Michael Fay noticed on his Congo Trek as well as the areas that are so far free from human impacts. Students will write recommendations to the region's governments and businesses,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

The Great Plains: A harsh welcome to settlers

Students consider the experiences of settlers on the American Great Plains in the late 1800s and explore the ways in which humans use technology to overcome obstacles in the physical environment. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

The great energy debate

This lesson explores the controversial issues surrounding the energy debate in the United States. Students will research recent initiatives being taken in this area and analyze their implications. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Gold: From the mine to you

This activity asks students to focus on gold and the process that takes it from miners to jewelers. By learning about this process, students will be encouraged to think about the individuals behind the production process and the environmental and human impacts... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Energy: The U.S. in crisis?

Students will evaluate economic, political, and social impacts that have led California to its near critical energy situation. This lesson focuses on how decisions are made on many levels and how those decisions involve trade-offs of economic costs and social... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Blowing in the wind

In this lesson, students determine the feasibility of wind generation in different areas of the United States and examine the costs and benefits of wind energy. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)

Provided by: National Council on Economic Education